A Christmas market in Lincoln was forced to close yesterday as heavy snow blanketed the UK, causing widespread travel disruption.
Organisers cancelled the final day of the event because of fears for public safety after the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for the city and predicted up to 10cm of snow.
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“Given that many people travel to the market from all over the UK, we must make this difficult decision to ensure our visitors stay safe,” said Lincoln council’s Simon Walters.
The decision to cancel the popular event angered visitors and traders, and was mocked by some on social media.
One visitor, who had turned up to visit the market, told the BBC: “It’s a total farce. This country is steeped in health and safety. Any other country in Europe would laugh at us.”
Others, however, were more sympathetic.
Yesterday’s heavy snowfall also caused road, rail and air travel delays. Birmingham Airport was among the most severely affected, with a number of flights delayed as the runway was cleared.
Hundreds of schools will be closed today after the Met Office warned that compacted snow and bitterly cold temperatures could result in dangerous driving conditions.